Families come in all shapes and sizes, forms and formats, strengths and weaknesses, talents and skills and an abundance of other stuff that all mix together and in some instances may produce dynamite of a kind, making get-togethers sometimes explosive. Our brood are more than lucky, we are privileged to get all mixed up and come out in a smooth blend. Liking each other is a good start and then complimenting (I don’t mean “I like your new hair-do” kind of compliment;) I mean balancing each other’s character traits is a real bonus. We’ve got tact and diplomacy, generosity and kindness, thoughtfulness and caring, honest and truthful, trusting and discreet (that’s just the little people), and amongst us all we have respect for each other and ourselves. I’m reminded of this after reading a recent novel where a whole load of family stuff was offloaded after a family member suffered concussion and blurted it out at a dinner party leaving the family that had gathered for a celebration, with mouths and eyes wide open and feet shuffling uncomfortably backwards to retreat and find a bunker, somewhere buried deep underground. Got me thinking about just how much everyone knows about other people these days. From where we’re going, what we’re doing and usually who we’re doing it with. Information can be sought 24/7 and in very little time. In usual times, us lot would all know what each other were up to from the usual communication lines and from actually seeing each other and even hugging, can you believe it? I’m not sure that double (or if you’re really annoying, treble kissing; one on each cheek and one for luck) will ever be back en vogue. At least it gets rid of that initial awkwardness on meeting ; shall I shan’t I, will they, won’t they? I might have to find an alternative to elbow bumping though, that’s way to “Whattssupppp?” for me.
We miss you…..
At the homestead, we are definitely missing every kind of greeting, whether en vogue or traditional ‘back in the day’. We just miss everybody, all persons great and small and when we finally get to meet again, the celebration will be one to remember. I’m already planning the decs…
Hurricane the Great….
The Go has hardly entered the homestead today. He’s so frightened of missing something, anything, that he has hovered outside, keeping a watchful eye on all entries and exits all day. I did go to find him earlier and find him I did; munching on the remnants of a terracotta urn. I’m beginning to wonder if he has Greek origins.
Pride….
When a Geordie actor sung about Crocodile Shoes back in G knows when, did he know what was coming…Crocs. Mr G loves his collection. The first pair bought by the man himself when we ventured into a shopping outlet looking for a cute pink pair for our only Grand Sproglet ,at the time. Would I have ventured in if I’d known the style faux pas that would ensue after this visit, probably not is the answer. The rest of the collection were gifted across birthdays, Christmas, holiday times… The pair that usurped all the others (thank you Wise One and MtB!), are the Lockdown rainbow pair that were opened just before a glorious holiday to the Scilly Isles and worn with Pride (the capital P is intentional). The first week was fine and nicely blended ( in a cosy self catering abode with just enough room for two). The second, in a 5 star residence, not so much of a blend and more of an ‘I’ve arrived’ kind of vibe. Still, at least we didn’t need to ring for waiter service.
Bramley Productions…
The Blue Whale was much appreciated by Mrs Coles and Co. So much so that The Supertato came along very quickly behind him. This was a well thought out video production where props and accessories had already been thought through before the camera rolled. Our Blonde one was worried about the fate of the bananas in scene 2, expecting them to end up as landfill but she was quickly reassured by the Bramley Cottage mum that they had been ingested earlier that same day by the Cheeky Girls themselves. Quentin Tarantino had to start somewhere; maybe the next production should have an age rating? The eldest Grande Sprog ( her of the early Crocs), entirely clad in tie-dye is still waiting patiently for the results of the TB competition. She also has the unenviable task of trying to be an almost (!) grown up almost 9 year old whilst not stealing the thunder from the Blue Whale Maker or the noisy ginger Dora (the explorer), who gets in everywhere.
Catch me if you can….
Over in Downswood, the mighty Liz has been executing her own productions and the Popsicle and the Dodger feature heavily. Any excuse for a photo opportunity. The Dodger is quite literally, here, there, and everywhere. I’m not sure The great Liz has time to refocus before he’s moved on to the next activity. Our rainbow-legged Popsicle is taking it all in her stride. She’s getting the time and space to do things in her own way whilst he’s busy doing his.
Countdown…..
Midwife said “YaY, everything good”, we all said” YAY” in unison right back to her. Weeks have flown up to this point, I feel they’re about to slow down; Sorry you two, I mean three!
Ruby Tuesday….
I’ve declared Tuesday’s to always be Rubies. Monday’s are always leftovers revitalised (unless you don’t have enough to leave over), and then it’s probably fish pie or something else requiring Maris Piper as a topping.
Chicken Tikka, black dahl, basmati and naan, we are done….Looking forward to sharing a Ruby with the other Grown Ups when we get to the other side, let’s hope no one gets a bump on the head before then…
Half a world away….
Heard late tonight that Liam Gallagher’s daschund Ruby Tuesday left this world today…. can guess what they’re listening to in Muswell Hill tonight…..
Have you seen my Crocs? 